Mbombela looking to invest in eco-school programme

The Mbombela municipal council proposed during a recent meeting that the municipality investigates a possible partnership with the Eco-School Cluster programme.

"As a municipality, we have a responsibility to protect the environment and this programme allows for just that. It encourages eco-friendly schools and deals with a wide variety of related topics such as recycling and how to manage wetlands," said municipal spokesman Joseph Ngala. Ngala said the council is expected to get feedback about the proposal during its next sitting.

"Taking care of the environment is a lesson that has to be taught from a young age. If council decides to go forward with this venture, it will be beneficial," said Ngala.

A seven-step process for change

An Eco-School is a pre-primary, primary or secondary school that has made a commitment to continuously improve its environmental performance, environmental learning and environmental management. This is achieved through curriculum development and environmentally friendly activities and ideas for pupils.

The Eco-Schools programme was established by international NGO Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), in 1994 in response to a need to involve young people in environmental projects at the local level. Eco-Schools are required to involve students in different themes, including healthy living, nature and biodiversity, local and global environmental issues, resource use and heritage and culture.

Each school follows a seven-step change process and empowers their young people to lead processes and actions wherever they can. Through commitment to the Eco-Schools seven-step process, improvements will be seen in both the learning outcomes, attitude and behaviour of students and the local community, and ultimately the local environment. Evidence of success in these areas will eventually lead to a school being awarded 'The Green Flag'.

Instilling environmental awareness from an early age

The Eco-Schools programme is currently in action in 51 countries, and more than 1100 schools in South Africa are enrolled in the project.

Lex Hes, owner of field guide training company EcoTraining said: "Eco-Schools are important for the future of our country and our planet.

"Teaching children the value of a clean, healthy environment from a young age ensures that they go into adult life with awareness of a particularly urgent global issue."